Policies

Seven priorities for South Australia’s future

South Australia has tremendous opportunities ahead but also fresh challenges. We will need new ideas, more community involvement and a renewed public service effort if we are to seize the opportunities before us.
More information on each priority, including what it aims to achieve and why, is below.

Jay Weatherill
Premier

1. Realising the benefits of the mining boom for all

Why? Increased mining activity will not automatically bring widespread benefits. Mining must help to renew our manufacturing and service industries, South Australians must be equipped to take up the jobs on offer and mining benefits must be invested in our future.

What? The mining exploration boom progresses to a mining production boom. We are a mining services hub for Australia and the region with a reputation for safe and sustainable minerals and energy production. South Australians take up the jobs on offer and our regional towns are more resilient.

Fact Mineral exports in the year to March 2012 totalled $4 billion - four times greater than a decade ago.

2. Every chance for every child

Why? Our experiences in our first five years of life are critical to our future development, health and happiness. Gaps that open early get harder to close.

What? South Australia is recognised internationally as a great place to raise healthy and creative children. Lasting community benefits arise from investment in children and families.

How? Practical information for all parents; Early intervention and support services to families in need; High quality, affordable child care and preschool offered by trained staff; Schools as service hubs for families.

Fact By the time a child is three years old, about 85% of their brain has been developed.

3. Growing advanced manufacturing

Why? South Australia's manufacturing industry faces challenges. Already squeezed by a high dollar and strong competition from overseas, traditional manufacturing is fighting a global battle for investment and labour. If we want the jobs manufacturing brings, we need to compete on value, not cost.

What? Our manufacturing sector designs, develops and makes goods in demand locally and around the world. It uses world-leading technology and design that improves living standards, as well as offers rewarding careers.

Fact Manufacturing is the largest generator of employment - each job in manufacturing generates two to five jobs in the rest of the economy.

4. An affordable place to live

Why? The quality of life is influenced by the rising costs of housing, transport and utilities. We need to keep home rental and ownership costs within reach and support households to manage other living expenses.

What? South Australia is the most liveable place in the nation where people enjoy a high quality of life, regardless of income. Families are confident that their children will be able to buy a home and rent is affordable. People move to South Australia because of our affordability and quality of life.

How? Affordable homes to rent or buy that cater for range of family needs and income levels; Homes and neighbourhoods designed to conserve energy and water; Support to manage essential costs of living at times of financial hardship.

Fact The Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that housing costs are the single biggest expense that most South Australian households face.

5. Safe communities, healthy neighbourhoods

Why? Crime rates have fallen, yet fear of crime has intensified. At the same time, we are spending less time outdoors. Better public spaces for socialising with others and being active will improve our safety, our health and the strength of our communities.

What? Neighbourhoods are friendly places where it’s easy for people to be active regularly. Neighbours see each other out and about and are confident in the safety of the community.

How? Better walking and cycling options locally; Visibly safer neighbourhoods; Public transport links to larger centres; Places to meet and be active; Strong social connections that support older people.

Fact If Australians met the national physical activity guidelines we would reduce coronary heart disease by 33%, diabetes cases by 25%, breast cancer risk by 12%, colon cancer deaths by 25% and stroke risk by 15%.

6. Premium food and wine from our clean environment

Why? Our food and wine products are under pressure from low labour cost countries and a high Australian dollar. We need to grow the recognition of our premium food, our high standards of food production and our food regions.

What? South Australia is renowned as a producer of premium food and wine from its clean water, clean air and clean soil. Our food and wine is consumed locally and exported around the world.

Fact The South Australian food and wine industry is worth over $14 billion and accounts for 36% of South Australia’s total merchandise exports.

7. Creating a vibrant city

Why? Adelaide is rated one of the world’s most liveable cities. Yet it has a reputation for being boring and many of our young people leave the State. We need more people choosing to live, work, invest, and spend time in the city.

What? Adelaide is one of the great small cities of the world. It showcases the best of South Australia to the nation and the world and thrives as a cultural, economic and social centre.

How? More people choosing to live in the city centre; City squares and laneways alive with people of all ages; Public art, live music and outdoor dining; Safe and pedestrian-friendly streets.

Fact The residential population of the city centre is the same today as it was in 1866.